Project Director Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

About Elevate

At Elevate, we are deploying reliable energy solutions that power the communities we serve. We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re enabling the future of energy, supporting massive digital and data center expansions and supporting a more resilient, electrified grid.

Elevate is where top talent meets real impact. We're a lean, mission-driven team accelerating the clean energy transition through bold, meaningful projects. Here, you’ll work alongside some of the smartest people in the industry, have a seat at the table from day one, and help shape a company that’s building the future of power— fast . If you thrive in dynamic environments, value authenticity over fluff, and want your work to matter, Elevate is the place to be.

Position Summary

• The Director of Project Execution is a key leader in Elevate’s execution function, responsible for overseeing utility-scale standalone storage and PV + Storage projects from late-stage development through commissioning and handover to Operations. The role ensures delivery on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.
• The role collaborates cross-functionally with internal teams and external stakeholders including EPC contractors, battery OEMs, utilities, and regulatory bodies. The position spans supporting Project Development in early stages through permitting, procurement, engineering, financing, construction, and handover to Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support early-to-mid-stage development with feasibility analysis, conceptual design input, project schedule development, and CAPEX forecasting.
• Assist in M&A and due diligence activities by assessing constructability and EPC execution risk.

• Develop and manage detailed project execution plans, including timelines, procurement schedules, risk registers, and milestone trackers.
• Support EPC selection processes by running RFPs, normalizing bids, leading internal evaluation, and negotiating EPC contracts.
• Manage project execution including permitting, procurement, and construction to ensure successful handoff to O&M/Asset Management.
• Manage and direct site-based Construction Managers and third-party inspectors.
• Execute projects safely, on schedule, and within budget by implementing proactive cost controls and minimizing schedule-related risks.

• Lead constructability reviews and ensure all design and engineering activities meet technical specifications, utility requirements, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate with Engineering to confirm observation and completion of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and site commissioning.
• Work with the engineering function to ensure contractor deliverables meet technical specs, negotiate and manage change orders, and ensure full contract scope fulfillment.
• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Development, Finance, Operations, EPCs, OEMs, utilities, and regulatory agencies.
• Identify and mitigate risks across technical, commercial, and contractual aspects.
• Maintain project performance reporting including KPIs, risk registers, and execution metrics; prepare reports for senior leadership and investors.

• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Development, Finance, Operations, EPCs, OEMs, utilities, and regulatory agencies.
• Identify and mitigate risks across technical, commercial, and contractual aspects.
• Maintain project performance reporting including KPIs, risk registers, and execution metrics; prepare reports for senior leadership and investors.

• Ensure project delivery within approved capital budgets and timelines; implement cost control and schedule risk mitigation.
• Track project costs, approve invoices, and manage construction cash flow in collaboration with the Finance team.
• Administer EPC and OEM contracts.
• Ensure all project deliverables are aligned with investor and lender requirements for financial close and COD.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• Minimum 6–8 years of experience in utility-scale energy project management, including at least 2–3 years in BESS-specific roles.
• Deep understanding of BESS system components: lithium-ion batteries, PCS, and BMS/EMS systems.
• Proven experience managing the full lifecycle of infrastructure or energy projects—from late-stage development through construction to commissioning.
• Familiarity with permitting, interconnection, and regulatory frameworks in U.S. energy markets.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time to visit project sites, meet with the team, customers, or vendors, and otherwise as necessary.

Competencies & Skillsets

• Problem-Solving: Adaptable and flexible; operates effectively in a fast-paced, small-team environment and approaches challenges with a creative, proactive mindset.
• Project Execution Management: Skilled in contract negotiation, project management, risk mitigation, and vendor oversight; ensures accountability across the project team and drives results.
• Communication Skills: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey clear understanding across different audiences, including internal and external presentations; demonstrates interpersonal savvy and a proven ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Organizational Skill: Ability to manage complexity and juggle competing priorities while continuously improving effectiveness and efficiency; effectively aligns and utilizes organizational resources to see delegated projects through to completion.
• Integrity & Judgment: Consistently makes good, timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward; demonstrates integrity, honesty, and authenticity.

Why Join Us?

Make a Meaningful Impact : Play a direct role in accelerating the energy transition by contributing to transformative, utility-scale energy storage projects— especially on complex brownfield and urban-constrained sites where innovation drives real-world results.

Thrive in a Mission-Driven Culture : Be part of a lean, agile team that values integrity, innovation, and decisive execution. We foster a collaborative environment where every team member has a voice and is empowered to make a difference.

Grow with a Company on the Rise : Join at a pivotal moment as we scale from startup to growth stage. You'll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence outcomes, and grow professionally alongside a company backed by top-tier private equity and poised for significant expansion.

Elevate is an Equal Opportunity employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome all applications regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or Veteran status.

Listed compensation ranges represents the Company’s good‑faith estimate of the salary range for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be determined based on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the candidate selected.

Pay range for this role: 175,000 - 225,000 USD per year (BK) & 175,000 - 225,000 USD per year (SF)